Fruity Bliss
October 13, 2008
In an attempt at losing weight, we all commonly believe that it is best to substitute food with fruits. Not all of us know, however, that there are many fruits that assist weight control, and more that actually negate our efforts. It is important to understand what we eat before following our instincts blindly.
Fruits that are high in fibre are especially good for those who wish to lose weight. Add fruits of this variety to the diet generously as the fibre content helps in clearing the body and does not add calories easily. Fruits high in fibre include apples, guava, oranges, papaya, lemons and pears. You could also add some portions of sweet lime to the diet.
Fruits that are low in fibre do not really contribute to the loss of weight. They can be consumed in moderate quantities, but the key is to keep the intake limited. These fruits include peaches, plums, litchi, strawberry, cherries, pineapple, pomegranate, musk melon, figs, watermelon and grapefruit. Make sure that you consume these fruits without adding any sugars which only pile up the calories further.
Fruits that are high in sugar should be avoided completely if you intend to lose weight. Juices, even if unsweetened should be abstained from as they only contribute to weight gain. If eating out, avoid ordering fruit salads as you have little control over the fruits and the servings you will receive. Fruits that should be avoided are custard apples, bananas, grapes, mangoes, jackfruit and raisins.
While consuming nuts remember that there are some that can actually be consumed in moderation without doing much harm. Limited quantities of peanuts may be allowed. While cashews and pistachios should be avoided completely, the occasional apricot, walnut or almond is permissible.
So the next time you reach out to grab a fruit to replace your meal, spare a thought to what you eat. The salad might have just been a better option after all.
Comments
Got something to say? Join the conversation and leave a comment below.